By Lilly O’Gorman
PAKENHAM bird breeders are the latest victims of thieves being hunted by police over the theft of more than 300 exotic birds valued at $60,000.
John Adriaans and Andrew Bradbury were asleep when burglars cut their way through a neighbour’s fence and into their Morrison Road, Pakenham Upper property after 12.30am on Friday 6 January.
It wasn’t until 8am the next day that Mr Adriaans discovered thieves had cut their way into locked cages and stolen about 32 of his exotic birds, valued at about $45,000.
Mr Adriaans said a lot of the birds stolen, including macaws, amazons and quaker parrots, were in breeding season and were incubating eggs.
“We’re devastated. It’s a callous theft.”
Mr Bradbury said the theft had set their business back at least three years.
“And not only that, it’s the time we’ve waited for them to get old enough so they can breed,” he said.
“I’m devastated, we’ve been sick to the stomach since it happened.”
Mr Bradbury appealed to the public to contact police if they saw a car parked on Pakenham Road, near Morrisons Road between 2am-6am on the 6 January.
He also pleaded with people to notify police of people selling birds without paperwork. He said his birds had distinguishing features: the double yellow-headed amazon laughs and says the phrases “what are you doing?” and “hello gorgeous” and the male blue and gold macaw has a toenail missing on his right foot.
Police allege the theft is linked to another three related burglaries in Cannons Creek and Devon Meadows in the past three weeks.
Police allege an unknown offender burgled a Craigs Lane residence in Cannons Creek twice on 18 December and 24 December last year and a South Gippsland Highway residence in Devon Meadows on 19 December.
On all four occasions, the offender has gained access to properties in the early hours of the morning by cutting a large hole through a wire fence from a neighbouring property.
Police believe the offender then cuts the padlocks securing the exotic birds in their cages, before stealing breeds such as macaws, ringnecks, kakarikis, finches and parrots.
Both Cardinia and Casey Criminal Investigation Units are investigating.
Senior Sergeant Graham Higginbotham from Pakenham police station said many of the birds were microchipped and encouraged residents to be on the look out for the stolen birds.
“If anyone purchases exotic birds, be aware and if you believe the birds might be stolen, contact Cardinia Shire Council to check for microchips,” Sen Sgt Higginbotham said.
“Contact the police if you have any information.”
Senior Constable Kieran Rodgers at Narre Warren Police Station said two of the victims had been searching online, visiting pet shops, and contacting wildlife organisations to try to track down the birds, but had so far had no luck.
“It is possible the thieves are hanging on to the birds and trickling out into the market, or they have possibly taken them interstate,” Sen Const Rodgers said.
Police wish to speak to the owner of a late ’90s or early 2000s maroon or dark orange coloured Holden Commodore sedan, seen at the time of the first Cannons Creek and the Devon Meadows incidents.
Anyone with any information about the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
Inset: These Blue and Gold Macaws were left behind by burglars, but another pair were stolen. 75458 Picture: Stewart Chambers
